Description

From the perspective of formal education, the adult literacy rate is often quoted as high as 76%. However, the last comprehensive survey to be completed in Belize found the functional literacy rate was an astoundingly low 40%. With an adult literacy rate at such a low level, many children struggle for various reasons. A literacy rate this low is of epidemic proportions. Through various project initiatives, we hope to reach children and steadily improve the literacy within Belize.

Youth Literacy Projects Include:

Youth Mentoring - Administrators and teachers of local schools often identify children who seemed to have lost interest in school or who are in need of special attention. These children are matched with community members and/or volunteers in order to provide them with personal mentors that promote and inspire healthy lifestyles and attitudes. High school youth who are temporarily out of school can be matched with work or volunteer placements as part of the mentoring process.

Classroom Teaching - Volunteers pursuing a teaching career are often able to assist or teach in the classroom, depending on a school's needs. Materials and resources are extremely limited and volunteers will find the use of imagination and creativity as well as natural and recycled resources very helpful.

Tutoring - There is always a demand for supplemental education for school-age children. The children of Belize, like children all over the world, can often use the special one-on-one contact a volunteer can give.

Jump Start Summer English Classes - In the summer, volunteers working in the Jump Start Program teaching English to non-English speaking children who are ready to enter into primary school. Volunteers plan their daily curriculum, schedule and activities.

Highlights

* Project Duration: Min 3 months (Short-term opportunities may be available upon request)
* Project Costs: USD795 + USD150 for every week thereafter.
* Project Location: San Ignacio, Belize (3hrs west of airport)
* Arrival Airport: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
* Activities: Assist child literacy projects.
* Working Hours: Flexible; Monday to Friday up to 6 hours a day, all other time is free.
* Getting to the project: Projects are located within walking distance to the volunteer house.
* Requirements: Minimum Age 18 unless accompanied by a guardian. Student Groups are welcome.

Qualifications

This program is open to all volunteers looking to work with impoverished children by assisting in a rural elementary school.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

795.00

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

What's Included
* Accommodation: Dormitory style lodging at the volunteer house.
* Meals: Typical Belizan dishes are served for lunch daily. (Mon-Fri)
* Training: Pre-departure "Introductory Package" will be mailed and in-country orientation with our Volunteer Coordinator.
* Support: Pre-departure briefing & help-desk, local in-country Volunteer Coordinator and 24 hour emergency support.
* Insurance: All AAV volunteers will receive "Basic" Travel & Medical insurance included in their package.
* Bonus: "Welcome Package" with and AAV t-shirt, local tips and coupons to help you get settled quickly and enhance the duration of your stay!

What's Not Included
* Airfare: However, we would be more than happy to help you find and schedule your flight.
* Airport or Bus Terminal Pickup & Drop-off : Volunteers travel by bus (3hrs) to San Ignacio. We will help you make these arrangements.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Our international volunteers come from all edges of the globe with a variety of backgrounds, everyone is welcome! A typical AAV volunteer is adventurous, outgoing and dedicated. Our volunteers all carry an open mind and a big heart!

Age Range

18-65

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 1-4

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

48hrs

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

All Access Volunteers's Mission Statement

To provide a unique volunteer experience and assist in the long-term sustainability of our partner organizations throughout Latin America.

Year Founded

2009